I didn't want to piggyback onto the other thread but I'm considering adding an upper for one of my AR's. Primary use is hunting and casual target shooting, probably no more than 300 yards.
I have no issues with deer hunting with the 223 round as long as proper ammo is used and within limited ranges. But don't feel comfortable shooting anything larger than deer nor much over 100 yards. Since black bear and deer hunting seasons pretty much run together here most of the Fall. And since most of the places where I hunt have as many bear as deer I rarely actually hunt with my AR.
But this year was in a place where there were no bear, I tried it, and liked it. The Grendle seems to be the logical option since I don't want to go to the AR10 platform. Not interested in the big bore options either. I've seen enough dead elk, bear and deer taken with various 6.5's to feel completely comfortable with the round for game bigger than deer. At least out to 200, maybe 300 yards.
I'm thinking an 18" barrel to keep things compact. Not wanting to spend a premium for a target rifle, if it'll shoot MOA for 3 shots I'm good to go. I may, or may not load for it. I don't envision shooting it a lot so I'd probably go with factory loads at least initially. I may find that I shoot it enough to justify loading for eventually. I'd still use 223 a lot more at the range and my bolt guns will still be my primary hunting rifles. But for some uses I'm thinking it would fill a niche.
But other than that don't know where to start. Looking for advice on uppers, magazines, or anything else I may have not considered.
I have no issues with deer hunting with the 223 round as long as proper ammo is used and within limited ranges. But don't feel comfortable shooting anything larger than deer nor much over 100 yards. Since black bear and deer hunting seasons pretty much run together here most of the Fall. And since most of the places where I hunt have as many bear as deer I rarely actually hunt with my AR.
But this year was in a place where there were no bear, I tried it, and liked it. The Grendle seems to be the logical option since I don't want to go to the AR10 platform. Not interested in the big bore options either. I've seen enough dead elk, bear and deer taken with various 6.5's to feel completely comfortable with the round for game bigger than deer. At least out to 200, maybe 300 yards.
I'm thinking an 18" barrel to keep things compact. Not wanting to spend a premium for a target rifle, if it'll shoot MOA for 3 shots I'm good to go. I may, or may not load for it. I don't envision shooting it a lot so I'd probably go with factory loads at least initially. I may find that I shoot it enough to justify loading for eventually. I'd still use 223 a lot more at the range and my bolt guns will still be my primary hunting rifles. But for some uses I'm thinking it would fill a niche.
But other than that don't know where to start. Looking for advice on uppers, magazines, or anything else I may have not considered.